Rinka Watanabe: “My goal is to include all three big elements into my programs: two triple axels and quad salchow.”
Rinka Watanabe overcomes challenges to secure podium finish at Tokyo Summer Competition.
original source: Nikkansports, August 24th, 2025 by Katsube Kota / Hochi News
Rinka Watanabe, a 2023 World Championship representative, displayed progress with a strong performance at the Tokyo Summer Competition, landing two triple axels and pushing her technical limits ahead of the Olympic season. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Nikkansports and Hochi News.
On August 24, at the Tokyo Summer Competition held at the DyDo Drinco Ice Arena, Rinka Watanabe (23) climbed from eighth place in the short program to secure third overall with a total score of 172.84 points, including 119.12 points in the free skate. Reflecting on her progress, Watanabe said, “Landing two triple axels at this stage of the summer is a major accomplishment. I did everything I could for this stage in the season.”
Watanabe’s free skate performance demonstrated her technical ambition. While she wobbled but held on to her opening triple axel, pairing it with a triple toe loop combination, she later attempted a quad salchow for the first time in competition but fell. She recovered by successfully landing a second triple axel.
Watanabe showed determination to push her technical repertoire, aiming to incorporate three major elements, including two triple axels and the quad salchow, into her programs:
“My goal is to include all three big elements. I want to improve my execution and perfect my performance over time,” she shared.
Watanabe, who is preparing for the key 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics season, reflected positively on her current form:
“Usually, my performances at this time of year are far from my best,” she joked, “but this season, I’ve worked on getting into shape earlier, and I feel good about where I am.”
Her next challenge comes at the Kinoshita Group Cup, part of the Challenger Series, scheduled for September 5–7 in Osaka. For this event, Watanabe plans to prioritize accuracy, focusing on perfecting her triple axels while temporarily setting aside the riskier quad salchow:
“Mistake-free performances will be key, especially because achieving a season-best score matters in the Challenger Series. I’ll focus on my training to ensure I can deliver a performance I’m satisfied with.”
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Watanabe has set her sights on representing Japan. She will need a strong showing at the season’s end at the Japanese Nationals, where only three skaters will secure spots on the national team.
“I believe that as long as my technique and physical condition peak together, I’ll be able to hold my own,” she said with determination.
Related topics: Rinka Watanabe
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